The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Davis Cone (NSN: 0-82558), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Executive, Damage Control, Gunnery and Torpedo Officer aboard the Submarine U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287) during the FIRST, SECOND and THIRD War patrols of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters of the Pacific, from 25 August 1943 to 5 February 1944. By his energetic, inspiring leadership, keen initiative, excellent judgment and skill, Lieutenant Commander Cone assisted his commanding officer immeasurably in the successful execution of the three war patrols, resulting in the total destruction of fifteen important enemy ships and ten smaller vessels, totaling over 107,000 tons. His courage, aggressiveness and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Davis Cone (NSN: 0-82558), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the Submarine U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287), during the SIXTH War Patrol of that vessel in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 16 July 1944 to 13 September 1944. Displaying excellent judgment and thorough knowledge of attack problems, Lieutenant Commander Cone rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting highly successful gun and torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys and contributing materially to the success of the BOWFIN in sinking nine enemy ships, totaling over 26,000 tons, and in evading severe hostile countermeasures. His unwavering devotion to duty throughout this hazardous patrol reflects the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Cone and the United States Naval Service.